Performance

The 2013 Kia Sportage SUV crossover gives you the option of two very fuel efficient engines. Base, LX and EX are equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that offers 176 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in an average of 9.4 seconds, and it returns fantastic fuel economy at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base while a six-speed automatic comes on the other trims. All-wheel drive is optional, but not available on the base.
For a more spirited ride, you will want to consider the SX model. Its 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine manages to reach 60 mph in a lightning fast 6.5 seconds. It is good for 260 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, while still returning 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It can even tow 2,000 pounds, which is not bad for a smaller engine.
Sportage has only a 34.7-foot turning circle, which means that it is incredibly easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces. It has a firmly turned suspension that you will likely love or hate because although it dictates crisp handling, the ride can be a little rough.

Expert Ratings

Performance

Currently 3.25/5

Reliability

Currently 3.75/5

Appearance

Currently 4.05/5

Comfort

Currently 4.22/5

Overall

Currently 3.82/5

ReviewitOnline Ratings are based on a number of factors including reputation, appearance, model age, engine & other comparative aspects.

Technology

• Navigation - Optional on all models except base is a navigation system that comes with SiriusXM Traffic™. This voice-command system offers a color touchscreen, maps, turn-by-turn directions and traffic details.
• Audio - The base four-speaker audio system will not be blowing anyone away, but the voice-controlled premium UVO infotainment system that is powered by Microsoft® certainly will. It includes an eternal amplifier, subwoofer, HD Radio, USB/auxiliary input jacks and steering wheel audio controls.
• Bluetooth - Standard on all trims, Bluetooth increases safety and convenience by offering hands-free simplicity. Steering wheel controls let you send, end and receive calls with ease.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the 2013 Kia Sportage certainly excels. When tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it received top safety scores in all crash tests. Plus, when braking was put to the test, it was able to stop from 60 mph in a short 120 feet. In addition to front seat airbags, there are also full-length side curtain airbags that have rollover sensors. Other safety features to offer peace-of-mind include:
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Child seat anchors
• Traction control
• Emergency braking assist
• Turn signal mirrors
• Rear door safety locks
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Stability control

Appearance

It is hard to find anything wrong with the exterior styling of the 2013 Sportage. It is modern, sporty and super aerodynamic. Every trim is very unique in terms of wheels, door handles, mirrors and body side moldings. For example, base and LX get body-colored door handles while EX and SX get chrome ones.

Comfort

If you think the exterior is refreshing, wait until you take a look inside. The cabin is far more attractive than much of its competition, despite its super low price. The dash is attractive with controls that are thoughtfully placed and easy to identify, and a center console offers two cup holders and a sizable storage compartment.
The front seats offer the right balance of comfort and support as well as more than enough leg and headroom. Although this is technically a five-passenger vehicle, adults in the back will likely find themselves cramped, especially on longer rides.

Cargo

When compared to others in this segment, Sportage fails when it comes to cargo capacity. Although there is 26.1 cubic feet with the seats up and even 54.6 cubes with them down, this is a lot less than other rivals.